Editorials

It’s Christmas!

November 29, 2012

It's that wonderful time of year when Thanksgiving transitions to Christmas. It's time for decorating and baking, in anticipation of time with family.

We watched the snowflakes go up downtown which add a festive touch. Real Christmas trees have arrived at the stores, and real-looking artificial trees have been in the stores for a few weeks.

Many years we cut our own Iowa-grown Christmas tree (sometimes laying in snow). Our house was too small to bring it indoors, so we dug a hole in the yard and it froze there. It was solid from December through March or April. We decorate with weather-proof red ribbons and lots of lights. In February we decorated with hearts. In March we put up shamrocks. And, several times we decorated with Easter eggs.

An elderly neighbor argued with her friends that the tree actually grew there. With the Spring thaw, it came down.

Even with our snow-less November, we are seeing Christmas all over town. Lights decorate homes and businesses, inside and out.

Speaking of lights -- Don't miss the Lighted Christmas Parade this Friday evening. The concept has generated enthusiasm around town and we think it will be lots of fun. It even looks like the weather will cooperate and it won't be freezing cold that night.

After the Parade, head to the Chamber/Welcome Center for a cup of hot chocolate and a visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus.

Emmetsburg Retail Association is sponsor of the Parade. This group of business people has brought us many innovative and "fun" promotions. They do a lot of planning and work hard to put these promotions together.

Talking with Mallard residents, they have a challenge among neighbors for the best lighted Christmas display. Haven't been through there at night, so we'll have to make that a priority in the next week or so. Is there a "prize" for the best decorations?

We'll be driving around Emmetsburg looking at lights, too. There are some pretty fantastic displays out there. On Main Street, look above Once Again Consignments at the beautiful display. A city snowflake enhances the blue and white lights outside the second story dwelling.

And -- keep track of the 22 Days of Christmas Open House events at Emmetsburg Retail Association businesses. The fun starts Friday and goes through Dec. 22. Gifts will travel from business to business, with a winner selected every day. You might just win a present that you can open before Christmas!

We had a great time at Breakfast With Santa last Saturday morning. Now we can keep the momentum going with activities every day for three weeks!